Black Hole Constellation – Garden of Deception Delights (2023)
by Flork
Black Hole Constellation's “Garden of Deception Delights” is an intriguing and daring sonic exploration into the realms of experimental, avant-garde, electronic, and alternative metal music. Crafted solely by the one man show, Michal Jahoda, the album takes listeners on a captivating journey through a hauntingly dark and ambient soundscape.
From the opening track, it becomes evident that "Garden of Deception Delights" is not your conventional album. St. Matter (free) is such a captivating tune, yet it’s more than a collage of circuit-based technology and sequences. Jahoda pays meticulous attention to detail and his experimental approach to all of the compositions result in an otherworldly listening experience. The album effortlessly weaves together electronic elements with alternative metal's raw energy, creating a distinct and immersive musical atmosphere. The second track Devourer, for instance, is a masterpiece on its own with its dark and whispering vocals, but with the speedy beats of the drums providing an ironic presence to the background. In fact, one of the standout features of this album is Michal Jahoda's haunting and ambient vocals. His voice adds an enigmatic and surreal quality to the already mysterious atmosphere, drawing the audience deep down into the depths of the “Garden of Deception Delights”.
I have to admit that the first half of the album lured me into this surreal world of sound(s) and I found myself craving more. Tracks like Chained by Conscience and Encounter utilise unconventional instrumentation and the textures and unexpected samples and changes leave no room for predictability. However, I still find it hard to call this an experimental album as it seems that Jahoda has come upon a unique sound that constantly challenges the listener’s expectations. But his approach is experimental and he seems to have nailed it on the final outcome. If I were to describe Black Hole Constellation, then perhaps you would have to close your eyes and imagine Depeche Mode with Dani Filth as their lead singer, with the addition of several industrial, Berlin-based DJs (and Al Jorgensen as the producer). You might also hear early elements of the Ministry and Die Arzte, but with an extremely dark side, as if antidepressants no longer perform their magic.
There are also heavy guitars too, in fact lots of them (as well as several really cool bass riffs). And so, the second half of the album keeps my interest high. The Outsiders Saga I and II are such cool compositions, since they balance themselves between heavy, raw energy and atmospheric moods. And along with Attempts and Serpens, the final two tracks which close this album, themes of introspection, existentialism, and the interplay between light and darkness all intertwine, thus making this album a thought-provoking and introspective experience.
Garden of Deception Delights is an ambitious and captivating album that showcases Michal Jahoda's artistic prowess. Not only does he perform nearly everything (he does enlist the assistance of drums and vocals on some of the tracks), he also wrote, recorded and produced the album himself. So, in conclusion, I have to say that his one-man project proves that innovation and creativity know no bounds. Black Hole Constellation leaves us eagerly anticipating what Michal Jahoda will deliver next.
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More by Black Hole Constellation on Jablka ďaleko od stromu
- Interview (March 2022)
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